Final answer:
Carbon dioxide molecules contribute towards global warming primarily through the greenhouse effect. When there is an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, more heat is trapped, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbon dioxide molecules contribute towards global warming primarily through the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps solar radiation, preventing it from escaping back into space. When there is an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, more heat is trapped, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
This increase in carbon dioxide is mainly caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. Fossil fuel combustion releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, while deforestation reduces the capacity of trees to remove carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.
Overall, the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere enhances the greenhouse effect, contributing to global warming and climate change.